A George II walnut library armchair circa 1745

with lion mask carved front legs

Good general condition. the carving of a competent quality and reasonably crisp. Minor repairs to one back leg. Upholstery slightly worn and with some small stains.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

One of a set of eight George II walnut chairs supplied to the 5th Earl of Harrowby,  by Thomas Moore, circa 1734, with very similar front legs is illustrated in Lucy Wood, The Upholstered Furniture in the Lady Lever Art Gallery, 2008, 2 vols., vol. I, p. 292, pl. i24E.

The lion mask carved front legs are also paralleled on a card table formerly in the celebrated Percival D. Griffiths collection and illustrated in a group of early 20th century furniture literature including R.W. Symonds, English Furniture from Charles II to George II, 1928, p. 63, fig. 34 and p. 118, fig. 72. The Griffiths table, most recently in the collection of Theodore & Ruth Baum, sold Sotheby's New York, 22 October 2004, lot 419.